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Seeing blood in your stool can be a frightening experience. It can also be embarrassing to discuss even with your doctor, so you might feel conflicted about what's causing the blood and how to deal with it. The gastroenterology professionals at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY, see many patients with this issue, which is more common than you might think. Below, they explain some of the reasons why people find blood in their stool.

Red blood

The color of the blood in the stool is an important item to share with your Suffolk County gastroenterologist, as this can help them determine where in the body it's coming from. Red blood, for example, indicates that the problem is with something in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract; the small intestine or the colon. Hemorrhoids are one such cause, and while the sight of blood can be distressing, hemorrhoids are typically self-limiting. Constipation can also strain the anal area, producing anal fissures that can bleed during bowel movements. If you've been diagnosed with either of these problems, try increasing the fiber in your diet to deal with the discomfort.

Dark blood

Blood that comes from the upper GI tract - the esophagus, stomach or large intestine - is often due to ulcers. These lesions in the lining of the stomach are common and their treatment is fairly simple, but they must be diagnosed by your gastroenterologist through imaging tests.

Though uncommon, blood in the stool can be a sign of colon cancer. For patients who are over 50 or at risk for developing this cancer, your gastroenterologist recommends regular cancer screenings, as the blood in the stool is often not immediately seen and shows up only on lab tests.

Contact Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY, with any gastrointestinal-related problems you may be having. This field of medicine is our providers' speciality and they want to help you!